Halloween is quickly approaching and if you are one of the many people who enjoy creating your own, unique costumes, head over to http://medievalcostumesandgifts.com for an abundance of costume ideas! Get away from the pre-packaged, store bought costumes and start fresh with Medieval Costume Armor!

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You’ve likely seen pictures depicting the body armor worn by knights during medieval times. They wore chain mail and plate metal armor. They also wore padded clothing as protection underneath. They needed all the protection they could get while in battle. However, the very best in body armor was the most expensive available–much like today. (Some things never change.) Outfitting yourself with armor for battle was costly for a knight. Thus, a knight of means had an advantage as he could more fully protect his body prior to battle. This definitely gave the knight the upper hand. Plate armor was constructed of large metal plates. Plate body armor was less flexible than chain mail, however, it guarded against both slashing blows as well as stabbing. It was practically invulnerable to swords altogether. The knight had far greater protection while battling it out. This certainly gave him a psychological edge as well.

Chain mail is designed as hundreds of tiny metal rings hooked together to create a mesh-like covering for the knight. Knights did not refer to it as "chain mail." That term came into use much later. Knights referred to it as "mail." Chain mail was effective, but how effective depended upon the material used to construct it, how tightly woven it was, the thickness of the material and weave, and lastly the method used to hook or weave the metal rings together. Although chain mail was more flexible and provided some effective protection, it could be penetrated by a stabbing blow. Slashing blows were not much of a match, but a stabbing action could certainly penetrate the rings. As a result, many knights of means opted to don both plate armor and chain metal, thus effectively doubling their protection. Plate armor looks heavy, but it was surprisingly light. The reason is that the distribution of weight was spread evenly over one’s body. We’ve all seen the caricatures of knights having to be lifted onto their horses due to their plate armor, but that is a myth. In fact, even the plate armor worn for jousting–which was much heavier than battle armor–would not have required a knight to be lifted onto their horse. Jousting armor was heavier to avoid dying from an injury during a game. But it was not used during battle, when different skill sets were needed, including speed.

Knights wore helmets, which were arguably one of the most important pieces of their ensemble. Knights worse differently designed helmets over the course of history. Depending on the time period, he might be wearing one design or another. For example, in the very early days, a knight’s helmet looked a bit like a cap. It had a piece of chain mail attached to it. But later on, helmets were made of plate armor. The face was protected by a visor, that was somewhat frightening to gaze upon. This may have also served as psychological edge. No knight was completely outfitted without his shield. Their shields were wooden underneath a piece of animal hide and rimmed with a piece of metal. This helped the knight to protect himself from incoming arrows, sword thrusts, and other weapons.

Renaissance Fairs across the United States are in full swing for the 2011 season. Medieval enthusiasts are dusting off leather armor breastplates and freshening up peasant dresses. Arizona and Florida started the year strong with their popular festivals. Now it’s time for the rest of the country to follow suit.

If you are on the fence about attending a local festival, perhaps this list of featured attractions will sway you in the direction of Scotch Eggs and Minstrel performances.

1.Family Friendly Event –Renaissance Fairs welcome kids of all ages. Rides and performances are offered to entertain any and all age groups. From face painting to carnival rides to the beer garden, these festivals do their best to keep everybody happy. Compared to spending a day at an amusement park, Renaissance Festivals are often much cheaper for a family fun day. Save money and have fun!

2.Stage Theater Performances – A great treat when visiting Renaissance Festivals is being able to see trained actors play medieval and Shakespearean plays for little cost. Most of the time the stage performances are a part of general admission into the faire.

3.Artisan Crafts and Demonstrations – Renaissance Festivals offer a chance for attendees to see how everyday items were made in medieval times. Most Ren Fairs include a blacksmith, jewelry makers, pottery sculptors, basket weavers and other artisans of the time. Buy their goods and be assured that you have a one-of-a-kind item!

4.Food! – Renaissance Faires are known for their food. Finger foods, even things that normally would not be considered finger food, are the hot commodity. Scotch Eggs and giant turkey legs are a couple popular delicacies. Wash them down with a mug of (root) beer and your day is complete!

5.Dress the Renaissance Part – For a few hours, patrons can dress and act as if they were living during the Renaissance time. Throw out as many “Huzzahs” and “Ye Oldes” as you can. Check your local Festival’s themes. Many have pet-themed days where they encourage pets and their owners to dress up in medieval costumes.

6.Street Performers Hit the Grounds – Not only will patrons see trained actors on stages, but also performers who volunteer their efforts. Musicians and magicians entertain the masses while wondering around the fairgrounds. The performers who mingle amongst the patrons often hassle and joke with the crowds. Their insults and mockery should be taken lightly as they are only there to entertain. Throw some lighthearted insults back and you may make a friend for life.

7.Jousting Tournaments and Knight Battles – Watch as knights fight for the King and Queen’s favor during battles of whit and might. Jousting tournaments add exceptional amounts of entertainment to the festivals. These battles of the fittest have kept crowds entertained for years.

8.Medieval Museums – Add a little education into your day at the Renaissance Faire! Some festivals feature museums which display pieces of everyday life from the Renaissance period. Items are offered for sale so patrons can take a bit of the Renaissance life back home with them.

9.Rides and Games – Renaissance Festivals offer the chance for people to ride elephants and test their ax-throwing abilities. Games and rides found at Renaissance Faires are not typical of most carnivals as they are usually not electric powered. Test your accuracy with a bow and arrow or a tomato. Renaissance Festivals offer a fresh change to the clanging and singing of usual fair rides and attractions.

10.Lasting Memories – Whether you have attended one Renaissance Festival in your lifetime or many, chances are the memory has lasted. These faires are unique and wonderfully entertaining. The people who work them truly love what they are doing. Their main priority is to make sure all patrons are having fun.

Find your local Renaissance Faire and be ready to have a blast. If you feel like dressing up, check out http://medievalcostumesandgifts.com for all of your costume needs. Check for updates from the Armor Helmet on Twitter: http://twitter.com/armorhelmet. Share the fun you had with us and other Renaissance Fans when you find MedievalCostumesandGifts on Facebook!

Medieval Knights had to use different weapons for different tasks. If they were engaged in ground combat, they needed one set of tools and if they were on their horses charging toward an opposing knight or enemy, then they would need an entirely different weapon. Each weapon had a specific purpose. Different stages or phases of battle required different weapons. So knights needed an arsenal of weapons. As one example, when knights are engaged in combat on the ground, they typically made use of the poleax. The poleax was so lethal, in fact, that even body armor was not enough protection. The poleax could slice right through the body armor and penetrate flesh. With its wooden handle and heavy metal head, the knight’s mace could fell an enemy knight from his horseback. With its protruding metal edges, a flanged mace would allow the knight to dent or even penetrate an enemy knight’s armor.

The sword was an important piece of equipment. This long metal weapon had a cross-guard for the protection of the knight carrying it. This prevented the knight’s hand from sliding down the blade and cutting himself. The blade on the sword was sharp as a razor. The length of the sword allowed the knight to keep distance between himself and his enemy. However, when in close quarters, the knight employed his dagger for stabbing and thrusting his enemy. When the battle wore into a heat, the knight on the ground could get far more use and efficacy from his dagger than his sword. The lance is a popular weapon and we’ve all seen pictures of the knight on his horse with his lance. This long, wooden weapon sported a very sharp metal point. The lance’s design is based upon the spear. When knights rode on horseback against other knights, they needed their lance. This was a necessary weapon for combat via horseback. As the knight rode directly toward his enemy, he extended his lance in front of him in an effort to knock his enemy from his horse.

The Medieval Knight would be nothing without his sword. Be fully prepared for battle with one of our steel blades! Only at Medieval Costumes and Gifts!